Second Chapter
H I N D I
A N D
A S S A M
I D I O M
S U R V E Y
A N D
S
E S E
:
C L A S S I F I C A T I O N
n . H IN D I A N D A S S A M E S E I D I O M S :
Survey and Classification
Hindi idioms :
T h e term ‘M uhabara’ (idiom ) com es from the A ra b ic lan guage and m eans
casual conversation or answ ering questions. Som e learned persons h ave described
it as ‘R ozijnariya’ , ‘B o lc h a l’ , ‘T arzekalam ’ or Tstallah’ . H o w ev er none o f these
can be describe as a synonym o f the w o rd ‘M uhabara’ . Sanskrit lan gu age la ck s in
a w o rd synonym ous to ‘ M uhabara’ . S o m e p eople em p lo y ‘P rayuktata’ , ‘B a g riti’ ,
‘B agdhara’ or ‘B h asa som pradaya’ w ords to represent id io m s .23
B . S. A p te in his ‘English-Sanskrit K osh ’ has professed w ords like ‘B akpadhyati’ ,
‘B a k riti’ , ‘ B a k byabahar’ and ‘ B ich ista Sw arup’ as synonym s o f M uhabara .24
Paradrkar says that ‘ B a k Sam pradaya’ is the synonym o f ‘ M uhabara ’.-25
K a k a S ah eb
K a le lk a r says that ‘ B a k p ra ch a r’ is id e a lly a sy n o n y m fo r
‘ M uhabara ’ .26
In G reek, ‘ M uhabara’ is represented as ‘Id iyo m ’ w h ile the F rench calls it
‘Id iatism i’ . In E n glish ‘M uhabara’ is represented b y ‘Id iom ’ .
T h e m eaning o f ’ M uhabara’ in H indi d iffers from those in A ra b ic and Parsi.
In casual conversation the exchange o f w ords or answ ering questions becom es the
basis for language. B u t w hen such expressions are m ade m ore fo rcefu l, attractive
and exp ressive through the finesse o f lan guage than such expression com e to be
know n as ‘M uhabara’ .
G reat scholar R ahul Sankrityayan says that m en h ave an alysed understood and
experienced their em otions in great earnest; these have been em bedded in language
- this is w hat ‘M uhabara’ actu ally is .27
‘ M u h ab ara’ (Idiom s) are u sed in d a ily lif e to m ake o n e’ s la n g u a g e and
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
“ Muhabora K osh” - Hari Bansh Ray Sanaa
p-Araukh
Ibid
Ibid
Ibid
Hindi Muhabare - Dr. Pratibha agrawal
p-Prakashakiya Bibriti.
10
expressions more attractive and effectively. With effective ‘Muhabaras’, language
becomes concise, effective and attractive while unnecessary digressions are aptly
filtered out. ‘Muhabara’ (Idioms) are not complete sentiments expressing a complete
meaning. It is a ‘Kliand bakya’ that makes the expression attractive and effective.
Muhabara (Idioms) are parts of a sentence that makes its full expressions only
when put in a complete sentence. Idiom don’t convey complete meaning when used
independently but can be used effectively only in the proper context. Changes of
words completely change the meanings of idioms. For example, ‘Pam-panI hona’
is an idiom with specific meaning; but using different words in its place will spoil
the entire meaning - ‘Jal-jal horia’ lacks the idiomatic meaning. In life, the things
people consider with great interest, earnestness and analyse with refined language
- such expressions expressed in sentences are called ‘Muhabara’ (idioms).
According to linguists, the necessity of people to make their expressions concise
leads to the formation of idioms. People seek to express their ideas with the minimum
number of words while seeking to express their deepest thoughts in a mysterious
or confidential way. That is why people sometimes want to express a simple thought
in a roundabout way. Such expression of language normally turn out to be concise
and prosaic.
The meaning of ‘Muhabara’ (Idiom) in the ‘Hindi Sabdsajar’ is given as - The
use of Siddha’*(accomplished) sentences are prevelant in any of the language by
metaphor and irony and its meaning is exceptional than the direct (predicable)
meaning .28
Lala Bhagwan Din describes “Rudri lakshyaria” as ‘Muhhbara ’ .29
Dr. Rrishnalal Hansha in his study of Idioms of ‘Nimadri’ language has said
that ‘Muhabara’ (Idiom) is in reality a ‘Khandbakya’ or part of a sentence. When
this ‘Muhabara’ is used in a sentence, it enhances the original meaning of the
sentence by many times .30
There is no doubt in the fact that the words used in ‘Muhabara’ are very much
28. Hindi Shabda Sagar - Shyam Sundar Das
p-959
29. Byangartha Manjusha - Lala Bhagawan Din
p-11
30. Nimadri aur uskia sahitya - Dr. Krishnalal Hansh p-382
11
effective and patterned. Idioms provide scope for expression of folk culture and
folk emotions. Social traditions, beliefs, fate, culture, castes, economic status, law,
religious etc. are reflected in idioms. Its boundary is limitless.
Idioms can be classified broadly on the basis of their appearance, category,
utility or word - structure.
Dr. Pratibha Agarwal has classified idioms into various types -31
1.
w ipfu p m i (Idioms combined with nouns)
2.
wt
^ % i fSRT •gimr (Noun adjective and adjectival idioms)
3. w i M m i k r fw pw tr (Idioms combined with Noun, adjective, verb)
4. M m fsFn
5. farqiMf
gsran (Idioms combined with adjective, verb)
(Verbal idioms)
6. W ! "pu
(Adverbial idioms)
7.
words)
i p m (Idioms combined with mimical and native
Sri Ram Sharma has classified idiom in the following way -32
1)
Culture - Tradition based
2)
History based
3)
Puran based
4)
Caste based
5)
Superstition - Blind faith related.
Haribansh Rai Sharma has classified idioms as follows -33
1.
31.
32.
33.
‘Lakshyana ka Prayog hone se\
Hindi Muhabara - Dr. Pratibha Ahrawal
p-7
Lok Sahitya Sidhant aur Prayog - Sriram Sarnia p-178
Muhabara K osh - Hari Bansh Ray Sarnia
p-2
12
2.
‘Byanjana ke Prayog hone se’
3.
‘Alankaro ke prayog se’
4.
‘Katshanoko, kinbadantiyo, Dharm Kathayo etc. based idioms.
5.
Kabhi kabhi byakti bachak sangyayo ka prayog Jati bachak sangyayo M
bhati karke muhabare banaye jate hain.
6.
Aspasht dhwanio par aadhart muhabare.
7.
Manoshottar Chaityanaya Shristi ki Dhwanio par aadharit muhabare.
8.
Jadr bastro ki dhwanio par aadharit muhabare.
9.
Sarlrik shestayo ke aaihar par bane hue muhabare.
10.
Manobigyanlk karano se muhabare utpatti.
11.
Kisi sabdo ki punar aabritti par aadharit muhabare.
12.
Do kriyao ko yog karke banaye huwe muhabare.
13.
Do sangyao ko milakar banaye hue muhabare.
14.
Hindi ke ek sabd ke saath prdu ke dusre sabd ke yog karke banaye hue
muhabare.
15.
Anya bhasaow se liye muhabare.
Assamese idioms :
Like ‘Fakarayojaria’ (Adage/Maxim), ‘G eetpada’, ‘Xathar’ (Puzzle), ‘Patantar
distan’, ‘Xadhukotha’ (Stories), ‘Aakhyan’ (Episode), ‘Mantragatha’ etc. idioms
are also an integral part of verbal Assamese literature. In most of the world languages,
such verbal exchanges are found in various numbers. The truth of this finding is
verified when we look into the languages of the ancient times. In the ancient
writings of Greek, German, Latin, Armenian, Slovian and Chinese literature, use of
such idiomatic expression can be faced. A chronological and historical study of any
language reveals the development of idioms. Similarly, in the Aryan language of
13
2 L f3 > U D
Indra, idiomatic expressions are found in great numbers.
Idioms are on integral part of verbal literature. ‘Bakyansh’ (Phrases) are
contemporary creations of idioms. Idioms and phrases help to suggest broader
meanings with the minimum use of words. It is not an easy task to define these in
exact terms; but even then if verb associated meaningful expressions are called
phrases then the expressions that don't contain verbs can be called clauses. Both of
the above - phrases and clauses display differences in application .34
Idioms are traditionally related to the styles of expression. Therefore phrases
and clauses can be considered part of idioms. However with regular usage, some
of these have come to be identified on the same level as that of idioms. But this
is due to malpractice of language and it would be wrong to regard all these
synonymous with idioms. We can safely consider them of the same type but with
different identities. With time the meanings of idioms and phrases have undergone
varied changes and ultimately the differences between them remain to be explained.
It is essential to take into account a historical perspective in making a detailed
study of Assamese idioms or phrases. This is because idioms reflect the tradition
and culture of the people who use them. Idioms and phrases provide a picture of
the daily life, customs and beliefs and characteristics of the time periods of the
community. Hence the study of idioms and phrases become essential to get a
complete picture of the tradition and culture of a society.
Ancient Assamese society was confined to the village . The needs of village
life are plenty. That is why in idioms and phrases, agriculture, Vaishnavism and
ancient thoughts display an influence. The portraits of later ages- especially of
Ahom rule - cast a major influence on idioms of the Assamese language. It is true
that many idioms have been lost in the passage of time; but then new forms of
idioms too have evolved. The variety of idioms that has evolved over the ages have
contributed to the variety and richness of the Assamese language.
Assamese idioms have been classified by noted scholar Dr. Bhupendranath
Roy Choudhury in the following way 34.
35.
35
Asamiya Bach an Bhangi - Harendra Nath Sarnia p-9
Asamiya Lok Sahitya Ki Bhumika - Bhupendra Nath Ray Choudhury
14
p-140
(a) Agriculture related
(b) Economic status related
(c) Social custom related
(d) Culture and family related
(e) Custom related
(f) Ancient ones
(g) Historical ones
(h) Animal related
(i) Criticism related
GENERAL CLASSIFICATION: Based on the comparitor study of Hindi and Assamese idioms a simple systematic
and scientific classification can be attempted while owing allegiance to tradition of
classification -
Idiom s
idioms
idioms
idioms
Idioms
Idioms
Idioms
Miscellaneous
related
related
related
related
related
related
idioms
to customes
to
to
to
to
to
and rites
body-parts
Agriculture
social
econimic
various
and seasons
beliefs
status
animals
and
superstitions
General introduction of these different categories are as follows(1) Idiom s related to customs an d rites : - Indian folk life is related to
religion. Right from the pre-natal age to the post - death p erio d ; folk life is riddled
with various customs and rites. In Hindi religion, sixteen main customs are noted
15
, out of which 4 Garbh Dhama’ (pregnancy), ‘punkhabam’, birth, ‘mundan’, ‘yagyo
pabit’, ‘Bibah’ (marriage) and ‘Antyasti’ (death) are the most important. These
customs find expression in varied degrees in the Hindi and Assamese idioms.
Barring a few, most of the custom s find expression in both Hindi and Assamese.
Indians have conveyed expressions of customs and rites from time immemorial.
For example in Hindi we have ,‘Kukhsa main pair pasarria’, ‘Khudn Bahorna’,
‘Bah chodrria’, ‘Suhag Utama’, ‘Haldi ke daag na chutna’, ‘Bhawar dalria’, ‘Maang
chinna’, ‘Lakdn dena’ etc. Similarly we have in Assamese , ‘Ritumatl hoa’, ‘Garbh
boti hoa’, ‘Ghar pat’, ‘Lagun gathi’ or ‘Loghan gathi’, ‘Khori diya’, ‘Mukhagni
kar’, ‘Pindo de’ etc.
(2) Idioms related to body parts
The body parts are indispensable to human
life . The loss of any of these leads to incompletion of human existence . Literature
being a mirror of the society, body parts have found expression in language. Every
part of the body has given rise to new idioms. In ‘Apabhransha’ age of literature
, such idiomatic expression are prevalant , for example : ‘Hathe Thabiyo’ (Hand
based) etc. In subsequent ages - in ‘Saijyageet’ language , such idioms are found;
for eg.~‘Gole golapaso’ (Amulet). Similarly, idioms related to body parts are found
in abundance. The use of such idioms is maximum in the present age . ‘Aakhon ka
kata’, ‘Kan katna’, ‘Nak uchhi rakhna ’, ‘Hath aana’, ‘Pao pakadma’ etc are example
of the idioms that cover all parts of the human body. In the same way such idioms
are plentiful in Assamese too. ‘Sakur kuta, datar sal’, ‘Kan kata’, ‘Nak kata ’, ‘Hat
aha’ etc are vivid examples of this fact.
(3) Idioms related to Agriculture and Seasons:Ancient Indian society was agricultural. Therefore old idioms too are based on
agriculture. For eg. ‘Kathiya par’, ‘Aag Halor Halowa’, ‘Mahadeve kheti kar’,
‘Bhate Bharale kha’, reflect the agricultural influence on Assamese society. Many
rites are held for proper growth of crops. People whose lives are based on agriculture
pray to nature for water to irrigate the soil. These rites are enshrouded by magic
and religion . With every rite of these types we find related idioms.
Idioms related to seasons occupy a prominent place in Assamese and Hindi
literature . Seasons, Nature and rites are interlinked and hence difficult to separate.
16
With changes in seasons, there are changes in Nature’s appearances. Many occasion
are held in keeping with such changes. For this reason , idioms reveal a close
association between Nature and the occasion. Many occasion related idioms are the
same as Nature related ones. For example, for a successful classification and survey
of idioms, it is necessary for make a study of agriculture and seasons.
(4) Idiom s related to social,beliefs and superstitions
No tribe or custom
can survive without the society. Literature is a mirror of the society. It is only in
folk literature that the true picture of society is reflected. Idioms are the best way
to view the beauty of age old society and social customs. For ex. ‘Tamol paan d i\
‘Aathu lo’, ‘Raize Roza’ etc. are idioms that provide a deep insight into Assamese
society. It is not only in family, religious or social ties; but also the best form of
human activity in different social context are reflected in idioms . The main reason
is th a t, folk literature don't simply record social beliefs and customs but also try
to form alternate idiomatic expression.
Social rites are vividly portrayed in literature. Various cases of sucide by
Hindu woman to protect their honour and chastity during the Moghal period are
found. The death of Padmini, the Rajput princess, glorify the pages of history. Sati
Kusuma Devi, Chanda Devi, Chandravali and Joymoti, Mula Gabhoru, Bhogeshwan
etc. of Assamese are examples of such events in history that are found in literature.
These events have been expressed by idioms of that age. Whether in education,
law, advices and orders, ideals etc. all have been covered by idioms.
Indian folk literature occupies an important place in tradition. Different, races,
societies, rules and regulations etc. are dependent on tradition. As such, we cannot
proceed by ignoring tradition.
In our society, such idioms are found that deal with superstitions, fate and
omens. A sick child is supposed to be affected by evil eye - ‘Nazar lagna’ and
hence taken to priests for treatment. Assamese idiom ‘Mukh laga’ express the same
meaning. ‘Adri khujana’ is a mental illness. ‘Kag Medarna’, ‘Hatya chillana’,
‘Namak Khana’, ‘Ganga Nahana’ etc. are idioms abundant in Hindi literature
Assamese too have its own fair share of such idioms like ‘Saku Laga’, ‘Nazar
Laga’, ‘Mukh Bhawa’, ‘Aada Jara’, ‘Ganga Snan Kara’, ‘Saku Nascha’, ‘Saku lara’
etc.
17
(5) Idioms related to economic status
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18
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(7) M iscellaneous idioms
In addition to the ones already classified, there are
other idioms which fall in no particular category. Out of these the more important
ones are related to the following topics.
(a) H istory - Idioms reflect many historical events - ‘Anadri hona’, ‘Johar
karna’, ‘Taj uchha karna’, ‘Bidra uthana’, etc. are examples. The word ‘Anadri’
refer to the tribe named ‘Anariya’ who were regarded to be less in mental capacity
than the Aryans. In the Middle Ages wives used to practice the rite of burning
themselves up on the funeral pyre of their husbands. ‘Johar karna’ refers to this rite.
Kings and Emperors used to wear ta j\ on their heads. ‘Taj uchha karna’ reflects
such a custom. This idiom is now used to indicate significant progress in somebody
similarly ‘Jai chand hona’, ‘Vivishan hona’ refer to people who betray the country.
Similarly in Assamese, we have idioms like ‘Deuta Iswar’, ‘Swarga deo’, ‘Da
Dangaria’, ‘Tamuli Sora’, ‘ Lachit ho’ etc. that refer to historical figures.
(b) A ncient thoughts and ideas
Concepts of ‘Mokshya’, penance, sin, heaven
and hell have existed in Indian society since long. Many idioms related to these are
found. ‘Paap Dhona’, ‘Maya Raschna’, ‘Mulke Adam pahuschua’, ‘Hans Rawana
Hona’, ‘Iswar ka panja hona’ etc. are common idioms in Hindi even today. People
sinning in life can strive for penance and this action is described as ‘Paap Dhona’.
Winning over an honest person through description can be described as ‘Maya
Raschna’. Marish had similarly done this act of ‘Maya Raschna’ to deceive Rami.
According to the puranas, after death people find place either in Heaven or in Hell.
Therefore to kill somebody gives rise to the idiom ‘Mulke Adam pahuschana’.
Similarly in Assamese we have ‘Lakshman hen bhai’, ‘Lanka kando kor’, ‘RamRavanar yudh’, ‘Ram-Raj’, ‘ Data karna’, ‘Dharmayudhisthir’, ‘Bheesmapratigya’,
etc. In the same way many idioms related to luck have their origins in the puranas.
(c) JTribe related
Many common idioms are related to tribe. In Hindi we
have ‘Chhatisa’ that refer to the cunningness of the ‘Napits’ (Barber community).
‘Koriya’ is an idiom that highlight the life style of the ‘Koliyas’. ‘Gadha’, Bail,
Chamar’, ‘Bachiya Ke tao’ etc. are used to indicate lazy, people and ignoramuses.
(d) C riticism related
The act of abusing is prevalent in all regions of India.
In abusing or in referring to defects in people, such criticism related idioms are
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employed. ‘Soku Soroha’, ‘Kaal sarpa’, ‘Kaal Shatru’, Ajin patoki’, ‘Apon peta’
etc. are examples of idioms of this type in Assamese.
Thus it is seen that the maximum idioms are employed in Hindi and Assamese.
To facilitate discussion, Hindi and Assamese idioms have been classified and in the
subsequent chapters these have been compared. It is true that there is no phase in
individual, family or social life where idioms have not been used. Starting from
rites and customs to the parts of the body, agriculture and business, seasons and
social customs, folk beliefs, legal implications, economic, political and historical,
antique, tribe related matters etc. idioms are a part and parcel of the human
communication process and they hold up a panorama of Indian socio-cultural life.
It is interesting to note that people have also encompassed the natural surrounding
into their lives. That is why in Hindi and Assamese we have plenty of idioms
related to animal life. Although the idioms used in Hindi and Assamese differ a
little in usage, it is worthwhile mentioning that in the overall context of Indian
cultural life, the difference in Hindi and Assamese idioms is negligible. Expressions
and mode of usage only serve to indicate the similarities in the Hindi and Assamese
idioms.
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